The provided information details the process for winding an automatic watch, which is a type of wind watch, rather than setting the time. Setting the time is a separate procedure, typically involving pulling the crown out to a different position. Below are the steps to wind an automatic watch as described in the reference.
Winding an Automatic Watch
Winding powers the watch's movement, giving it the energy to run. For an automatic watch, this can often be done by specific manual winding if needed, or by wearing it (as wrist movement winds the rotor). Here are the steps for manually winding an automatic watch:
- Prepare for Winding:
- To begin winding an automatic watch, hold it in your left hand and unscrew the crown in your right, until it's into the first position. This position is typically used for manual winding, while further positions are for setting the date or time.
- Perform the Wind:
- Once the crown is in the winding position, give it 20 to 40 winds until you feel the resistance. Rotate the crown clockwise (towards the 12 o'clock position) to wind the mainspring.
- Check for Full Wind:
- When you can't wind any further, it's fully wound. Unlike manual-wind watches which can be overwound and damaged if too much force is applied after resistance is met, the reference states: It is not possible to overwind an automatic watch. They have a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents this.
- Return the Crown:
- After winding, push the crown back in and screw it down securely (if it's a screw-down crown) to ensure water resistance.
Winding vs. Setting
It's important to note the distinction between winding and setting:
- Winding: Provides power to the watch movement, allowing it to run.
- Setting: Adjusts the position of the hands (or date/day) to show the correct time (or calendar information).
The process described above is only for winding the watch. Setting the time typically involves pulling the crown out to a second or third position and rotating it to move the hands.
